Maritime Travel Strathcona

10/23/2024

🚢✨ AHOY, ADVENTURERS! ✨🚢

Don’t miss out on our Exclusive Super Cruise Sale! Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, exotic ports, or unforgettable onboard experiences, NOW is the time to book!

Offers end October 25 - don't miss out!

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07/01/2024

Finishing up my month in Greece - fall 2023.

Following Evia and Crete, it was back to Athens to join up with Exodus Ancient Greece tour. In Athens, we stayed at the local 3-star Arion Hotel in the Psyri area near Monastiraki Square, a lively area of Athens. From the hotel rooftop we had a view of the lit-up Acropolis at night! This Exodus tour was led by a guide educated in Greek antiquities and licensed to guide on ancient sites - Stephania knew her stuff! TRIVIA FACT - Greece was the first democracy in the world, and women still had no rights!

First morning we were off to the ancient Agora of Athens, National Gardens and a honey market, followed by the Acropolis and Parthenon, which, as always, was extremely busy! Next day we visited the Corinth Canal, connecting the Adriatic Sea to the Aegean Sea. 8m deep, 6343 m long, 21m wide and 79m high! Other stops - the ancient city of Corinth, a birthplace of Christianity; Tomb of Agememnon and the Citadel of Mycenae; seaside village of Naflio on the Bay of Argos, 800 steps up to the Palamidi Castle! Next day - Theatre of Epidaurus, a healing sanctuary city; Sparta, known for training warriors, and the 'Spartathon', an annual marathon from Athens to Sparta (the record is 20 hours); Mystras, famous in the Byzantine era, and in the mountains.

We continued the next day to Ancient Messene, 4th century BC, under Spartan rule for hundreds of years. TRIVIA FACT - Zeus was born here. The mythical gods are highly revered in Ancient Greece, the statues, temples and today's ruins stand testament to that! We finished the day in Pylos, famous for olive oil from nearby Kalamata. TRIVIA FACT - Spain, Italy and Greece are the top olive oil producers in the world - 65% of Greece's oil is from the Pelopponese, rest from Crete.

Onward to Olympia, home of the 1st Olympic Games in 776 BC! This was a training, religious and political sanctuary, not a community. Stadium held 45,000, all men because all the competitors were naked. There was one contest - only running - and the event lasted one day, Other sports were eventually added and the event expanded, until Olympia was abandoned in 7th century AD, not rediscovered until the 19th century! First traces of human activity were found in pre-historic Olympia dating 4300-3100 BC!

From the Peloponnese, it takes 15 minutes by ferry to the mainland near Delphi. Delphi is famous because of the Oracle. The Oracle was typically a woman, chosen by the people. That became her role for life - to deliver the messages to the mortals from the gods. Leto gave birth to Apollo on Delos, an island near Delphi, and Apollo communicated to the people of Delphi through the Oracle. OH MY, so many stories from this part of the world! I took so many notes! Mount Parnassus is located here too. TRIVIA FACT - People believed in the mythical gods until 390 AD when Christianity started to become popular.

Our final stop on this history tour was Meteora - you must see this place! Home of 14th century monasteries, amongst unique geology. 24 of them were built on hilltops during the Ottoman era. 6 are still active. 2 of them are nunneries. 4 of them have only 1 or 2 monks living there. Before the monasteries, hermits lived in caves in this area, living in complete isolation. We visited the Varlaam Monastery, open to the public. Up 200 stairs to the entrance. The site, of course, is very religious and a few monks still reside there. Most interesting items - the 12,000 litre barrel of wine, and the 'net' - a cable down to the ground with a net in a basket to bring goods, and monks, up and down. Today they can still use it, but it takes them to a parking lot where their cars are!

What a trip! Very interesting, very beautiful, but intense! We walked many steps though ruins, climbed up to temples, and gazed at hundreds of statues of gods and goddesses. At times, it reminded me of a Greek Mythology course that I took in University! Thousands of years of history, stories, and legends jammed into a week long tour. Great job Exodus!

06/26/2024

Part 2 of my month in Greece October 2023.

Crete - Another wonderful island! And just a short 35 minute flight from Athens. We booked the Spring Apartments in Chania through Expedia, and it did not disappoint! 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, balconies, well equipped, very clean, safe 20 minute walk to old town and the sea. The lighthouse in the harbour is from the 16th century, oldest surviving one in the Mediterranean, with bars, restaurants and shops all around. I hiked the Samaria Gorge, a famous 16km hike from Xiloskalo to the sea at Agia Roumeli. The views were breathtaking. From Chania, with bus transportation (2 hours each way), ferry ticket and entrance, it was 60 Euro through Viator. The closest beach for swimming from our apartment was Nea Chora, about 20 minute walk. Beautiful beach vibe with small family-run tavernas dotted all along the sea. Another sightseeing highlight was an olive oil and wine tasting tour, 35km from Chania, inland. Both tastings were great! Yamas! (Cheers!). Lots of history on this island, with Maritime and Archaeological Museums, lots of natural beauty as well. It's a big island, I did not venture to the other end, preferring to stay in smaller Chania. It's safe, the food is fantastic, lots of walking and beaches.

06/21/2024

I spent a month in Greece mid-Oct to mid-Nov, a fabulous time to visit - warm, dry climate and fewer tourists! British Airways premium economy to London, on to Athens, very comfortable and good service. Upon arrival, took the metro right from the airport to the hotel, easy and cheap (senior rate 4.5E) but over an hour with many stops. Stayed at the Wyndham Grand, a nice 4-star hotel, only about 1km from the Acropolis and Plaka but the neighbourhood under renovation and fairly uninhabited so slightly uncomfortable walking around. The next day we found our way back to the airport by metro to meet up with our Exodus hiking group.

Evia - Exodus tour - From the airport to the ferry terminal, 1 hour from Rafina to Mameri, then 15 minute drive to the Galaxy Hotel in Karystos, our base for the next week. The island is relatively unknown to international tourists, used to be a playground for wealthy Athenians, quiet, quaint, authentic, with beautiful beaches and hiking trails. TRIVIA - Evian water? France patented the water and it is produced from springs in France, but because of the name, Evian pays Evia 3% royalty of all sales FOREVER, for use of the word because all things on Evia are EVIAN!

With our small group and guide, we hiked to Castello Rosso on the first day, circa 1200. Lots of mulberry, pomegranate and tamarisk trees along the trail, Subsequent hikes were through limestone slate and marble quarries; Mount Kliosi; Acropolis of Styra; cave of St. Nicholas; Mount Ohi gorge; and to the abandoned Imperial Roman Marble Columns. There are so many interesting things about Evia - Mediterranean diet at its best; the story behind the city of Marathon (yes, the running event) and Nike (yes, the shoes); Styra (oldest civilization next to Damascus); the Albanian Greeks with their 'iron tea' (to ward off dementia) and their adherence to the Julian calendar (we use the Gregorian calendar); and the 10 columns at the top of a mountain crafted between 160-251 BC for the Romans but abandoned due to wars - no civilization since has been able to figure out how to move these mammoth structures so they are still there!

The climate and lifestyle here is incredibly satisfying - beautiful sea, drinkable tap and spring water, garbage, sewage and recycling programs all in place, few tourists, incredible hiking trails, safe, friendly, marina and beaches with open-air restaurants and bars, enough English to get about okay, and very close to a major airport in Athens. I hesitate to let the secret out!

06/17/2024

In May 2023, I escorted a small group of women to Croatia for an active holiday exploring Croatia and its coastline. What we didn't know was that the weather was not going to cooperate and we had unseasonably cool and wet spring conditions. Not to have our spirits dampened, we persevered and made the best of all thrown our way!

First hiccup - cancelled flight Calgary-Frankfurt due to a lightning strike - one gal already in Zagreb, rest of us grounded for a night in Calgary. We arrived in Zagreb, staying at Hotel Jadran, a local 3-star hotel in Lower Town. Sights included main square, Jelicic, Upper Town (connected by funicular), Cathedral (closed due to 2020 earthquake), St. Mark's Church, Lobrshak Tower, Stone Gate. Ended the day at the 'Swanky Monkey' garden bar for a delicious 'swanky mojito'!

Dubrovnik - Wow! What a place! We stayed at Orhan Rooms, a small, local rooming house right on the Adriatic sea, right beside the Fortress where Game of Thrones was filmed, what a view! We purchased the DBV Pass for 35 euros, which included the city wall walk entrance, multiple museum entrances within the city walls. Walking the top of the walls 2km loop is a must! Stop at BUZA beach bar for Aperol Spritzes, seating is on the rocks! Other stops worth a visit - Red Museum (outside the walls) and Rector's Palace (inside the walls).

Exodus hiking tour - We spent the next week on a hiking tour. Between the inexperienced guide and the lousy weather, it was not the best time! However, just means we need to go back, because it is indeed beautiful landscape. First day we hiked from OBOD to STAZICZE peak, a 2 hour circuit. Second day we stopped in STON and walked the old walls, but were rained out of our 12km hike near Split. Boarded the ferry to BRAC, 45 minute sailing, usually picturesque, but we could not see a thing in the rain! We did manage to hike to a summit the next day. The next day we were off to Split and to KRKA National Park. Again, rained out, trails flooded. Off to Zadar! We visited the isle of PAG, famous for cheese, and had a lovely wine and cheese tasting experience. The following day there was a yellow ball in the sky - hurray! We hiked in Paklenica National Park, summiting a peak with traditional bean soup lunch at a mountain hut. Next day we hiked to MIRILA and viewed the ancient stone graves.

Zadar - We added on a couple nights in Zadar after the hiking tour. This is a cool place, old city walls and stone gates, lovely pedestrian downtown. Right next to our hotel was the Forum, an active archeological excavation site. Just outside the walls, on the coast, is the famous Sea Organ - pipes in the seawall that allow air and water to ebb and flow and make amazing organ sounds! Lit up at night, a beautiful place to sit with a group of friends and enjoy the ambiance!

Plitvice National Park - Our final hike was a locally purchased day tour - 70 euros per person, included transportation, information and entrance. The park had just reopened after flood closures, so only 4 hiking loops open, and it was busy! We walked them all, including the loop to the big waterfall via boardwalk, some with water gushing over the boards. About 4 hours of hiking and we stopped halfway for a picnic lunch. Great viewpoints!

Unfortunately, we didn't see or do nearly enough in the great, natural setting of this beautiful country, due to the weather. The food is good, the accommodation is quaint, the islands and coastlines beautiful, and of course, an abundance of history too. A little bit of everything - I hope to return.

06/12/2024

Scenic River Cruise - Europe - April 2023.

For my 65th birthday, I went on a European river cruise! Invited my brother along and we had a great time! I highly recommend adding a couple of days pre and post cruise so you can experience the cities, rather than just arrive and depart. We headed to Budapest in April and spent 2 nights there before embarking on the cruise. Arrival in Budapest was easy. We took the public bus to city centre, 6 euros per person, 40 minutes. Checked in to the Ramada downtown, good location and good price.

Sightseeing in Budapest included - Parliament Buildings at night; Citadella hike; Philosopher's Park; Fisherman's Bastion; Hospital in the Rock; Jewish Quarter; Central Marketplace, and the Gellert Thermal Baths. There are many public thermal baths in Budapest, but the Gellert ones are historic, with Roman temples, statues and several pools, steam and sauna rooms, indoor and outdoor, ranging in temperature from 35-40C. Entrance is about $40 CAD per person. Great way to spend an afternoon!

Scenic 'spaceships' are lovely - all suites have an indoor/outdoor balcony which adds living space to the room, and enjoyment of the outdoors regardless of the weather. The staterooms have many amenites and are spacious and comfortable. There is a small gym, a salt therapy room, small spa/salon, great espresso coffee station and restaurant with impressive meals. Excursions are included in every port. After sailing this itinerary, I can see why, as many of the stops are 'technical ports' and not close to the villages, so shuttles are required. The stop in Vienna was fine, but Durnstein-Melk is only accessible by excursion, We didn't see Linz or Passau. Regensburg was a short stop only on our way to Nuremburg. I felt Scenic operates more like a guided coach tour than an independent river cruise. Maybe it is because they don't have seem to have access to the most desired cruise berths in city centres. Onboard, Scenic has replaced their piano entertainer with various trivia games and local acts that they bring aboard. I found the games tacky and boring, some of the entertainers were ok, but overall I say - bring back the multi-talented piano players!

Vienna - A fabulous city! We opted for a bike tour in the morning and afternoon free to explore. Highlights included St. Stephen's Cathedral, Cafe Central, Opera House, Military History Museum, and Mozart's Apartment. The coffee culture is huge here and you must have a pastry - Sacher torte, or a pistachio cream croissant! In the evening, we were transported to the Leichenstein Palace for a n included classic Viennese concert. Before leaving Vienna the next morning, we selected another bike tour of Danube Island.

Durnstein to Melk - This area is known for apricot production (from jams to liqueurs), and Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisioned in Durnstein. We opted to ride bikes from Durnstein to Melk, approx. 33 km. E-bikes from the ship are available and a guide was provided. Once in Melk, we left the bikes at the ship and toured the magnificent Melk Abbey.

Branchstatt to Vilsofen - These are 'technical stops' so an excursion is necessary unless you remain on the ship. We opted for the Salzburg excursion, about 2 hours bus ride away. Home of the Sound of Music, birthplace of Mozart, castles, cathedrals, coffee houses and schnitzel!

Regensburg - A quaint historic village, important from Roman to Medieval times. Highlights include the Stone Bridge, Cathedral and Museum. Easy to walk within the old walled city. Grab an Aperol Spritz at an outdoor bar patio at the entrance to the bridge and watch the activity on the river!

We disembarked in Nuremburg and spent a couple of nights there, staying at the Ramada, just 2km from city centre. Only a 15 minute walk from the hotel to Documentation Centre/Rally Grounds (Zeppelin Field). Following our visit there, we toured the Imperial Palace & Bell Tower, Palace of Justice and Courtroom 600, the Executioner's House & Hangman Bridge. It wasn't all serious history though - we enjoyed steins of beer, sausage, sauerkraut and pretzels throughout our 2 days here!

Overall, great ships, service and inclusions. Maybe not the best itinerary due to 'technical stops' which limited independent exploration time. Luxurious and very enjoyable nonetheless!

06/10/2024

06/10/2024

Princess Cruise on the RUBY - February 2023. A quick, warm, fun getaway for winter - plan now for 2025!

Early in 2023, I decided to take cruise to the Caribbean for a week with Princess Cruises - solo! Overall, it was a wonderful, relaxing experience. My first experience using the Princess Medallion. Not my first time to the ports on this itinerary. I decided this would be a 'wellness reset' cruise for me! I flew into Houston the day before, overnighted at La Quinta hotel, 15 minutes from IAH airport. Cheap and cheerful. The next morning, I went back to IAH and hopped on the Galveston Express, 1 hour 15 minutes $32 USD - easy.

With the Princess Medallion, if you use the App and enter all the information prior to arrival at the port, embarkation is a breeze - go to the green line, pick up your Medallion, head through security and right onboard! The RUBY Princess is a beautiful ship - 3000 guests, 1200 crew, refurbished in 2018 and includes all the popular dining venues, activities and entertainment that Princess is known for. I had included the Princess Plus in my cruise fare, but once onboard, decided to upgrade to the Princess Premium, as fitness classes are $20-30 USD each and cocktails are $15-20 USD each. Premium allows unlimited fitness classes, unlimited alcohol, wifi, juice bar, specialty dining and more. Easy! One strange rule for cruises from Texas - reduced liquor service until 1.5 hours from shore and into international waters, so a very limited menu and you have to pay even if you have purchased a package. Princess doesn't tell you about this in advance, and it kind of makes the sailaway deck party a bust.

First port - Cozumel Mexico. Very walkable, safe and clean. Port is 5km from town. Can walk or shuttle. I decided not to purchase any shore excursions on this cruise, and kept myself active by walking everywhere and sightseeing on my own.

Second port - Belize City - This is a tender port and unless you are doing an excursion, not much to see, so I stayed onboard. It was a relaxing day of fitness classes, pickleball, movies by the pool, sunset in Skywalkers Lounge.

Third port - Mahogany Bay in Roatan Honduras, Beautiful stop to play at the beach or do an excursion. Ride the chair lift to the beach, swim, kayak, eat and drink, all day long.

Sea days are great for going to the spa, casino, shops, specialty dining venues, fitness classes, evening entertainment. One of my favourite places onboard is the International Cafe - great coffee drinks, lighter food and sweet bites - always a buzz, great for talking to other guests.

I think I might make this an annual event!

06/07/2024

CARLA's Scandinavia cruise with SEABOURN - August 2022. Contact me for more information and to book.

From Edmonton to Toronto to board Scandinavian Airlines to Copenhagen - a quick 7 hours. Premium economy was an affordable and comfortable upgrade. The Radisson Collection Royal Hotel is central and a 5 minute walk from the train station, which we took from the airport. Easy! Hop on, hop off boat cruise through the canals was only $20 CAD and a great introduction to the city. The hop on, hop off bus tour is $35 CAD and also worthwhile. Copenhagen is a beautiful, clean, green city, very safe. Walk or bike, lots of free attractions, but food and beverage prices are quite high.

The Seabourn Ovation is a small, luxury ship. All suites, champagne chilling upon arrival, butlers assigned, Alcohol included, shore excursions additional. Ports of call included Arendal and Oslo, Norway; Helsingbord, Sweden; Wismar, Germany; and Ronne, Denmark. Except for Oslo, these are small, quiet villages. This is not the itinerary you want if you are interested in the Norwegian Fjords.

Arendal Norway - on a Sunday, absolutely nothing is open. It's a small coastal village with a nice marina, and a glass elevator up a mountain. 'Frozen' was filmed here.

Oslo Norway - a beautiful port, walkable from the ship to city centre. I chose a bike excursion - $99 USD 3 hours guided, basically a hop on, hop off, seeing many attractions, including City Hall (Nobel Peace Prize Hall), Royal Palace, Vigeland Sculpture Park. Later on foot, I explored the Opera House, harbour with sauna huts, Maritime Museum, Fram Museum, and SALT (artist village with saunas and a fun bar!).

Helsingbord Sweden - most southern port in Sweden, 2nd largest port, the pier is 3.5km from town, a shuttle service operated. Highlights of this small village include the Dunkers Museum, fortress, tower, and church. Very few tourist shops.

Wismar Germany - small city which used to be part of East Germany. It's a city of churches, one nice pedestrian street with performers, and that's it. I took an excursion to the countryside, boarded the narrow gauge train, the 'Molli' for a 40 minute ride to a little seaside town, Kuehlungsborn, a vacation destination for Germans.

Ronne Denmark - on Bornholm Island, pier is 2km from town, there is a shuttle. Cute little town to quickly walk around but nothing outstanding.

Impressions of Seabourn - many repeat guests, many doing back to back itineraries; demographic is affluent baby boomer; onboard is country club elegant. Staterooms and balconies are spacious, well appointed, walk-in closet, double sink vanity with tub, sofa, dining table with chairs, fridge and bar area . Free wifi onboard and Seabourn Source App works great. Lovely coffee shop on deck 7 with lighter food options from morning until night. Shows are mostly musical with good talent. Dance party on deck once a week, one of the few opportunities to interact with crew. The 'Retreat' is on deck 12, private cabanas for daily rental of $195 USD, virtually empty for our cruise. Small shuffleboard area, only sports facility onboard other than the gym, which does offer some classes, not well attended. Main pool has 2 hot tubs, spa and thermal suite, small casino, and late-night club (deserted). Staff to passenger ratio is 1:1 and attention to every need is high. .

02/21/2024

Contact us today at [email protected] for more info!

🛳️Cruise SUPER SALE - on now until March 1⚓

Don't miss out on amazing perks and EXCLUSIVE savings!

Contact your Maritime Travel agent for more information.

https://www.maritimetravel.ca/cruise-sale

02/09/2024

Celtic River Cruise on the Enchanting Rhine with Natalie MacMaster Donnell Leahy & Family

October 24 - 31, 2024 | 8 Days, 7 Nights
Switzerland | Germany | France | Netherlands

Close to sold out! Only 7 spots remaining! Hurry!

Join Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music and their virtuoso children on a luxurious cruise From Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam.

October 24 - 31, 2024 8 days, 7 nights

02/07/2024

Alina loves to cruise!

Here are some photos of Alina's trip on a Celebrity Cruises in November 2023. They embarked from Singapore travelled through to Thailand and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

You can reach Alina at [email protected]
https://www.maritimetravel.ca/agent-details/11990/alina-lai

02/01/2024

Today is the last day of our super sale!
Don't miss out and take advantage of these amazing deals today. Contact one of our Vacation Specialist today 780-429-6752 or [email protected]

🌴 Maritime Travel Super Sale!
Super Savings on Winter & Spring Sun Packages and Worldwide Adventures.

01/30/2024

Dreaming of your next adventure?

Check out Carla's trip to Chania, Crete, Greece in October 2023. Carla's trip was self guided which included some amazing hiking trails.

She’d love to help you plan your dream vacation, however simple or complicated. Connect with her! [email protected].
https://www.maritimetravel.ca/agent.../2209/carla-nelson

01/28/2024

Come see us at Bridal Fantasy today - Expo Centre Edmonton

01/27/2024

It’s happening tomorrow!!

Meet Kora, Nicola and Faye at our kiosk tomorrow at the Bridal Fantasy show at the Edmonton EXPO Centre

Specializing in Destination Weddings, Honeymoon’s and of course Vacation travel.. we’ll have all your questions covered! 😀

See you soon ✈️ 👰‍♂️ 🏝️

Dive into a world of bridal enchantment at Bridal Fantasy!

Join us at the Edmonton Expo Centre on Sunday January 28 from 10 am to 4 pm for an unforgettable experience.

Immerse yourself in the bridal world - come explore a diverse range of vendors in the bridal industry and don’t miss one of the two stunning fashion shows throughout the day showcasing the latest bridal fashion trends. Your dream wedding journey begins here! 💖👰
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Tickets on our website, linked in our bio! ❣️